SC Governor Sanford Criticized For Taking So Much Time Off

Columbia, SC—As Gov. Mark Sanford is in Europe for two weeks with his family, he’s being criticized at home for spending so little time working lately. Beginning June 18th with his trip to Argentina to see his mistress, until this current trip, Gov. Sanford has worked ten days. Taking into account the July 4th holiday, that means he’s worked 10 days out of 25 business days during that time.

South Carolina Democratic Party chair Carol Fowler says, “It’s certainly hard to resent anybody taking time off to be with their families. The objection most people have, I think, is that he has taken so much time off. He has done very little this summer except take time off. And most South Carolinians don’t have that luxury and privilege of leaving our jobs whenever we want to and still getting paid for them.“

This trip to Europe was planned before the governor returned from Argentina and admitted to having had an extramarital affair. But he also took time off twice since then to spend time with his wife and their four boys to try to repair the damage he’s done to their relationships. That makes four trips out of state for personal travel in six weeks.

The governor’s spokesman, Joel Sawyer, said in a written statement, “It’s not unusual for the governor to take some time away in the summer with his family. He will be in contact with other state officials and staff throughout the trip, and will continue conducting the business of the state.“

Since the governor has also been criticized for his travel spending, we checked and Sawyer said this trip to Europe is not being paid for by taxpayers.